Neighborhood electric vehicles, motor-assisted scooters, and Segway-style devices share some streets with cars, but only where speeds are low. Texas also offers a way to alert officers to a communication disability.
Neighborhood electric vehicle
A vehicle subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500 with a top speed of 35 mph on a paved level surface.
Handbook p. 73 ↗A motor-assisted scooter is a self-propelled device with:
- At least two wheels in contact with the ground
- A braking system that can stop it under normal conditions
- A gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cc
- A deck for the rider to stand or sit on
- The ability to be propelled by human power alone
Where they may operate on streets
| Device | Posted speed limit allowed |
|---|---|
| Neighborhood electric vehicle | 45 mph or less |
| Motor-assisted scooter | 35 mph or less |
| EPAMD (e.g. Segway) | Max 30 mph roads, only in limited cases |
Know the rule
Counties and cities may prohibit neighborhood electric vehicles and motor-assisted scooters on any street or highway for safety reasons.
Handbook p. 73 ↗EPAMD
Electronic personal assistive mobility device: a two non-tandem wheeled, self-balancing device for one person, electrically powered at an average of 750 watts (one horsepower).
Handbook p. 73 ↗An EPAMD may be operated on:
- A sidewalk
- A path set aside for bicycles only
- A road with a 30 mph maximum only to cross in a crosswalk, where there's no sidewalk, or when directed
Know the rule
On a public roadway, an EPAMD must be ridden as close as practicable to the right-hand edge.
Handbook p. 73 ↗Moped
A motor-driven cycle that can't exceed 30 mph in one mile, with no more than two-brake horsepower and, if gas-powered, 50 cc or less and no gear shifting.
Handbook p. 79 ↗Your keys to safe driving
- Good vision
- Obey traffic laws
- Proper care of vehicle: don't rely on yearly inspections; do regular maintenance
- Courtesy: safety comes before the right-of-way
- Proper signaling: failing to signal is dangerous and inconsiderate
- Fitness to drive: let someone else drive if you're not physically or mentally alert
Know the rule
"Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer" is an optional code for your license or ID; have a doctor complete form DL-101. When registering a vehicle, form VTR-216 lets TxDMV place the impediment in TLETS so an officer sees it before approaching.
Handbook p. 75 ↗Put it into practice
You want to ride a motor-assisted scooter to school on a street posted at 40 mph. That's not allowed: scooters may use streets only where the posted limit is 35 mph or less. Find a lower-speed route.